Fields

  The Earth's Magnetic Field


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Image Courtesy Of: Windows2Universe

Magnetic fields are the driving force of the aurora. Literally.  Although planets can occasionally create weak aurora performances using only an atmosphere, magnetic fields are responsible for taking aurora displays to the next level of intensity.

The specific creation of a magnetic field can often be hidden in mystery. Although physics dictates a universal formation protocol, how this protocol is employed varies wildly from one planet to the next. Magnetic fields, in an abstract sense, are created by passing an electric current over a medium. How this current is created, whether from a molten core, charged particles flying over head, or the compression of planetary composition layers, is left to random chance.
 

Magnetic FieldImage Courtesy Of: National Geographic

When an electric current creates a magnetic field, magnetic poles are established by the movement of mobile, negatively charged particles. A magnetic dipole is the grand resulta field with both positive and negative poles, created by the flow of electric charges.
 

Magnetic fields, because they are essentially highways for electric charges, are the perfect shuttles for our sun's solar winds! Planets with good magnetic fields are primed for a fantastic aurora experience.

The component of our atmosphere that reacts with solar winds via our magnetic field is known as the magnetosphere.  Shown below, earth's magnetosphere is the hardworking, solar wind particle pushing, unseen hero of our aurora displays. 

Magnetic FieldImage Courtesy Of: Astronomy Notes

The following image displays northern magnetic field activity. On March 13, 1989, disturbances in the earth's magnetic field were heightened to astronomical levels. Because of the increased disturbance activity, later known as the Great Geomagnetic Storm, Canada's Hydro Quebec system was completely knocked out.

This is less than 5 minutes of recorded field activity! Our magnetic field is legitimately amazing!


Previous Magnetic FieldImage Courtesy Of: MetatechCorp